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BARLO.V 

Character  and  Rev?ard 
of  a  Just  Man. 


©fiatactet  antr  Beiuat^  of  a  Sust  JHan» 


A 


FUNERAL  DISCOURSE, 


COMMEMORATIVE  OF  THE  UFE,  AND  VIRTUES, 
OF  THE  LATE 


HON.  STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER, 


DELIVERED  AT  OGDENSBURGH, 

February   17,  1839, 

BY 

THE  REV.  WILLIAM  BARLOW, 

RECTOR  OF   ST.  JOHn'S   CHURCH. 


PUBLISHED     BY     REQUEST. 


ALBANY : 

mmXED   BY    i'ACKAKD,   VAN  BENTHUYSEN   AND   CO. 
1839. 


Ogdensburgh,  Feb.  18th,  1839. 

To  Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq. 
Dear  Sir, — 

The  discourse,  of  which  you  have  done  me  the 
honor  to  request  a  copy,  is  placed  at  your  disposal.  It  was  writ- 
ten, as  you  are  aware,  without  a  view  to  its  publication,  with  an 
imperfect  acquaintance  with  the  subject,  and  in  too  much  haste  to 
admit  of  my  doing  it  justice.  I  regret  that  it  is  not  more  worthy 
of  the  favor  with  which  you  are  pleased  to  regard  it.  Accept  it 
as  an  humble  evidence  of  the  veneration  with  which  the  blessed 
memory  of  your  Father  is  cherished,  by  myself,  in  common 
with  all  who  can  appreciate  his  virtues.  That  a  happiness  like  his 
may  attend  you;  and  that  in  God's  time,  you  may  attain  to  his  re- 
ward, is  the  earnest  wish  and  prayer,  of 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  Pastor, 

WM.  BARLOW. 


SERMON. 


Isaiah  xxxiii.  15,  16,  17. 

"  He  that  walketh  righteously,  and  speaketh  uprightly;  he  that  de- 
spiseth  the  gain  of  oppressions,  that  shaketh  his  hands  from  holding  of 
bribes,  that  stoppeth  his  ears  from  hearing  of  blood,  and  shutteth  his 
eyes  from  seeing  evil. 

"  He  shall  dwell  on  high :  his  place  of  defence  shall  be  the  muni- 
tions of  rocks :  bread  shall  be  given  him  j  his  waters  shall  be  sure. 

"  Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  king  in  his  beauty :  they  shall  behold  the 
land  that  is  very  far  off." 

If  we  were  to  admit,  as  several  commentators 
suppose,  that  the  primary  reference  of  these  pro- 
mises, was  to  the  deHverance  of  the  Jews  from 
the  great  distress  to  which  they  were  reduced  by 
the  Assyrian  invasion,  and  the  security  and  plen- 
ty they  would  enjoy,  when  the  siege  of  Jerusalem 
should  be  raised ;  still  it  would  be  allowable  to 
understand  them  to  refer,  in  a  more  important 
sense,  to  the  rewards  of  the  righteous  in  both 


6 

worlds.  In  the  Old  Testament,  the  passages  are 
numerous  which  have  this  double  reference. 
But  in  this  case,  the  local  allusion  can  hardly  be 
admitted  :  it  would  attach  to  these  sublime  and 
glowing  descriptions,  a  feeble,  if  not  an  absurd 
meaning.  The  Prophet  must  have  intended  to 
say,  that  the  just  man  described  in  the  15th  verse, 
and  he  only,  should  enjoy  the  promises  in  the  two 
following  verses.  But  if  the  promises  referred 
to  the  blessings  of  returning  peace,  it  is  plain 
that  the  wicked  would  share  them  in  common 
with  the  good.  When  the  perfect  man  is  de- 
scribed, and  he  is  told,  that  "  he  shall  dwell  on 
high,  tliat  his  place  of  defence  shall  be  the  muni- 
tions of  rocks ;  that  his  eyes  shall  see  the  King 
in  his  beauty,  and  behold  the  land  that  is  very 
far  off;"  something  more  is  meant,  I  apprehend, 
than  that  he  shall  dwell  within  the  walls  of  the 
city,  see  King  Hezekiah  in  his  robes  of  state, 
and  be  at  liberty  to  walk  or  ride  out  into  the 
country !  The  promises  are  peculiar  to  the  cha- 
racter specified,  and  both  belong  to  the  Just  in 
all  ages.  It  would  be  difficult  for  genius  to  in- 
vent terms,  which  in  so  small  a  compass,  would 
so  graphically  and  beautifully  pourtray  the  man 


of  God,  and  the  blessings  in  store  for  inni.     If 
these  passages  do  not  glow  with  a  spiritual  mean- 
ing, I  know  not  where  we  can  find  any  that  do. 
Full  of  instruction  and  comfort,  they  describe  a 
character  which  we  are  to  acquire ;  and  promise 
rewards,  which,  on  that  condition,  we  shall  enjoy. 
I.  In  the  CHARACTER  of  the  righteous  man,  as 
here  sketched  by  the  Prophet,  five  particulars  are 
noticed,  namely ;  his  piety,  his  wisdom,  his  social 
justice,  his  political  integrit}^,  and  his  prudence. 
In  the  inspired  writings,  a  precept  specifying  a 
particular  action,   in  its  spirit  often  includes  a 
great  principle ;  and  all  the  kindred  actions  which 
come  within  its  scope.     This  rule  of  interpreta- 
tion is  illustrated  by  our  Lord,  in  his  comments 
on  the  commandments,  instanced  in  his  sermon 
on  the  mount.     The  rule  applies  in  the  case  be- 
fore us :  for  each  of  these  traits  of  character,  em- 
braces a   principle  that  is  "  exceeding   broad." 
The  description  is  as  follows.     "  He  that  walketh 
righteously,  and  speaketh  uprightly ;  he  that  de- 
spiseth  the  gain  of  oppressions,  that  shaketh  his 
hands  from  holding  of  bribes,  that  stoppeth  his 
ears  from  hearing  of  blood,  and  shutteth  his  eyes 
from  seeing  evil." 


8 

"  Hi:  wALKETii  RIGHTEOUSLY."  This  de- 
notes the  rectitude  of  his  character  in  general, 
and  his  piety  towards  God  in  particular.  He 
conforms  in  his  inward  disposition,  and  outward 
behavior,  to  the  eternal  rule  of  righteousness — 
the  will  of  God,  as  expressed  in  his  law.  This 
implies  that  he  knows  God  aright,  and  is  at  peace 
with  Him ;  that  he  is  instructed  in  the  Law,  and 
like  the  happy  man  of  the  Psalmist,  delights  to  me- 
ditate therein  day  and  night ;  that  his  mind  is  im- 
bued with  that  fear  of  God,  which  is  the  begin- 
ning of  wisdom ;  and  his  heart  inspired  with  that 
love  of  Him,  which  is  the  fountain  of  all  virtue. 
Directed  by  these  rules,  influenced  by  these  sen- 
timents, he  honors  his  Maker  by  every  instance 
of  piety  ;  and  endeavors  to  please  Him  by  every 
work  of  obedience.  This  single  purpose,  to 
please  God  in  all  things,  growing  out  of  filial  love, 
and  directed  by  an  enlightened  judgment,  fur- 
nishes him  with  a  better  solution  of  questions  of 
duty,  than  all  the  principles  of  casuistry  in  the 
world :  as  a  test,  it  is  easy  of  application ;  as  a 
motive,  it  is  as  effective  in  the  privacy  of  the  clo- 
set, as  in  the  presence  of  the  world.  In  the 
same  degree  that  a  right  spirit  is  renewed  within 


9 

him,  sin  loses  its  hold  upon  the  affections,  and  its 
power  over  the  will :  It  is  feared,  forsaken,  and 
hated.  He  can  say  with  David,  "  Thy  Law  have 
I  hid  in  my  heart,  that  I  may  not  sin  against 
Thee."  Setting  the  Lord  always  before  his  eyes, 
he  makes  a  straight  path  for  his  feet,  "  He  keeps 
innocency  and  takes  heed  unto  the  thing  that  is 
right,  knowing  that  that  only  can  bring  him  peace 
at  the  last." 

"  He  speaketh  uprightly."  Or  as  the  ori- 
ginal has  it;  he  "  speaketh  uprightnesses,''''  This 
implies  that  he  is  in  possession  of  the  truth,  and 
that  his  words  conform  to  it.  A  lover  of  all  wis- 
dom, and  especially  of  that  which  is  from  above, 
he  seeks  for  it  as  for  hid  treasures;  and  receives 
it  with  readiness  of  mind.  Taught  of  God,  he 
is  filled  with  "  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  under- 
standing, and  counsel,  and  true  knowledge,"  and 
out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  his  mouth  speak- 
eth. He  avoids  the  vices  of  the  tongue ;  all  profa- 
nity and  cursing,  all  lying  and  equivocation,  all 
slander  and  rash  judgments,  all  impure  and  provok- 
ing language,  because  the  fountain  of  these  bitter 
waters  is  not  in  him.  His  words  indicate  that  re- 
verence for  God  which  he  truly  feels ;  conform 


10 

to  the  truth  wliich  he  loves ;  and  breathe  the  kind- 
ly spirit  which  animates  his  bosom.  Dictated  by 
discretion,  they  are  fitly  spoken ;  and  seasoned 
with  grace,  they  minister  it  to  the  hearer.  This 
single  trait  of  character,  denotes  a  high  degree 
of  moral  excellence.  He  that  speaketh  upright- 
nesses, will  not  only  tell  the  truth ;  but  "  he  will 
speak  of  excellent  things,  and  the  opening  of  his 
mouth  will  be  right  things."  He  is  "  the  perfect 
man"  of  St.  James,  who  "  oftends  not  in  word ;" 
for  he  takes  heed  that  nothing  should  escape  him, 
contrary  to  religion,  sincerity,  and  charity.  He 
is  the  "  good  man"  described  by  our  Lord,  "  who 
out  of  the  good  treasury  of  the  heart,  bringeth 
forth  good  things" — things  "  profitable  for  doc- 
trine, for  reproof,  for  correction,  and  instruction 
in  righteousness."  Folly  accounts  words  as 
wind ; — wisdom  regards  them  as  the  most  weigh- 
ty and  imperishable  things  in  nature.  Words 
are  the  instruments  of  the  moral  power ;  and 
sway  nations  more  potently  than  sceptres. — 
Words  achieve  triumphs  that  armies  could  not ; 
and  endure  when  pyramids  decay.  The  words 
of  wisdom  are  more  precious  than  gems ;  and 
scatter  blessings,  as  the  heavens  shed  dew.     But 


11 

"  evil  communications"  wound  more  fatally  than 
daggers  ;  they  blight  virtues  that  would  have  tri- 
umphed in  a  dungeon,  or  on  the  rack ; — they  kill 
the  soul.  That  then  is  truly  a  wisdom  from 
above  which  teaches  us  to  keep  the  door  of  our 
lips  and  to  make  all  our  words  uprightnesses. 

"  He  despiseth   the  gain  or  oppressions." 
This  characteristic  includes  the  great  principle  of 
justice  between  man  and  man.     Far  from  oppress- 
ing any  by  violence,  the  just  man  will  not  do  it  un- 
der the  sanction  of  the  Law — nor  will  he  withhold 
the  rights  of  the  poor,  because  he  may  do  it  le- 
gally— nor  will  he  press  his  own  rights,  when  it 
would  take  their  little  morsel,  to  add  to  his  own 
superfluities — nor   will   he   withhold  good  from 
them  to  whom  it  is  due,  when  it  is  in  the  power 
of  his  hand  to  do  it :  for  whatever  he  might  ac- 
quire, or  retain,  by  these  means,  he  would  de- 
spise as  the  gain  of  oppressions.     The  cruelty 
which  he  would  despise  in  himself  he  contemns 
in  others ;  for  he  is  not  one  of  the  multitude,  who 
pay  their  brutish  homage  to  wealth,  however  it 
may  have  been  won,  or  abused.     His  sense  of 
justice,  and  his  feelings  of  humanity,  would  impel 
him  to  make  common  cause  with  the  injured  ;  and 


12 

to  do  whatever  he  might,  hke  Job,  to  "  break  the 
jaws  of  the  oppressor,  and  pluck  the  prey  out  of 
his  teeth."  In  the  parable  of  the  two  debtors, 
the  oppressor  proceeded  on  the  ground  of  a  le- 
gal right ;  and  for  aught  that  appears,  strictly  ac- 
cording to  the  forms  of  the  statute ;  but  the  com- 
mon master  of  both,  gave  judgment,  not  merely 
according  to  law,  nor  simply  according  to  equity, 
but  according  to  the  mercy  which  the  case  re- 
quired. "  Thou  oughtest"  said  he  "  to  have  had 
compassion  on  thy  fellow  servant."  He  had  judg- 
ment without  mercy  therefore,  because  he  had 
showed  no  mercy.  This  teaches  us  that  the 
principles  of  justice,  as  settled  by  the  decrees  of 
Heaven's  Chancery,  spread  over  the  whole  field 
of  human  sufferings,  and  wants ;  and  embrace 
every  claim  of  mercy,  and  benevolence,  as  well  as 
of  Law.  They  not  only  forbid  us  to  oppress  our 
neighbor  by  violence,  or  to  invade  his  rights  as 
defined  by  our  civil  codes ;  but  they  require  us 
to  do  to  him,  as  far  as  our  means  will  permit,  the 
good  which  his  necessities  may  call  for.  And 
our  Lord's  account  of  the  solemnities  of  the  Last 
day,  shows  that  the  judgment  will  then  turn  on 
our  fulfilment,  or  neglect  of  these  requirements. 


13 

When,  therefore,  the  poor  cry,  the  needy,  and 
him  that  hath  no  helper,  the  just  man  will  regard 
relief,  as  a  debt,  rather  than  a  gratuity.  He  will 
not  reserve  his  tears,  and  his  bounties,  exclusive- 
ly for  the  sufferers  on  the  other  side  of  the  globe ; 
but  will  find  in  the  forms  of  wretchedness  around 
him,  claims  upon  his  resources,  to  which  God  has 
affixed  his  own  sign  manual.  He  will  not  reject 
the  claimant  because  he  may  have  been  vicious, 
or  improvident;  for  he  will  remember  that  if 
none  find  mercy  but  the  deserving,  none  will  find 
it. 

"  He  shaketh  his  hands  from  holding  of 
BRIBES."  Here  the  just  man  is  presented  in  an 
official  character ;  and  the  abhorrence  of  corrupt 
practices,  intimated  by  shaking  from  his  hand  the 
wages  of  iniquity,  when  they  are  thrust  into  it, 
shows  that  in  the  exercise  of  his  public  functions, 
he  is  governed  by  a  principle  oi political  integrity » 
An  upright  magistrate,  inaccessible  to  direct  bri- 
bery, he  takes  care  that  no  corrupting  influence 
may  reach  him,  by  any  bye-paths  of  prejudice, 
or  favoritism,  or  hope,  or  fear ;  and  administers 
justice  with  firmness  and  impartiality.  As  a  le- 
gislator, he  will  not  be  found  desecrating  his  sa- 


14 

cred  office,  by  lending  himself  to  a  system  of  party 
legislation,  though  that  condition  might  be  the  te- 
nure of  his  dignities  and  emoluments.  As  a 
statesman,  the  ends  he  aims  at,  will  be  "  his  God's, 
his  country's,  and  truth's."  Pure  himself,  he  will 
not  connive  at  the  corruption  of  others,  for  the 
sake  of  their  patronage.  Choosing  obscurity  ra- 
ther than  dishonor,  he  is  incapable  of  sacrificing 
principle,  at  the  shrine  of  party.  Honest,  as  well 
as  patriotic,  he  could  not  be  tempted  to  pollute 
his  hands  with  the  spoils  of  his  country,  though 
peculation  may  have  become  the  order  of  the 
day;  and  infamy  have  ceased  to  be  infamous. 
How  essential  it  is  to  the  welfare  of  nations, 
that  such  men  alone  should  bear  rule,  the  history 
of  the  past  abundantly  testifies.  It  is  then  only 
that  the  people  rejoice  ;  it  is  then  only  that  vir- 
tue is  admitted  into  high  places;  and  that  na- 
tions become  strong  in  wisdom  and  justice. — 
How  difficult  it  is  to  sustain  such  men  in  power, 
the  history  of  the  future  will  show.  When  they 
who  confer  office,  prefer  flattery  to  truth ;  they 
who  are  willing  to  pay  the  price,  will  win  the 
prize  :  and  they  who  will  neither  receive  a  bribe, 
nor  oflfer  one,  must  for  the  most  part,  be  content 


15 

with  an  honorable  obscurity ;  until  those  great 
emergencies  arise,  which  call  forth  talents  and 
worth  from  their  retirement.  When  a  People  are 
ignorant  and  vicious,  they  prefer  men  after  their 
own  hearts;  who,  by  the  just  appointment  of 
God,  presently  become  their  scourges.  That  re- 
ligion then  is  the  only  security  of  nations,  which 
can  make  the  people  wise  and  understanding,  and 
the  magistrate  just. 

"He  stoppeth  his  ears  from  hearing  of 
blood,  and  shutteth  his  eyes  fr03i  seeing 
EVIL."  This  implies  that  he  prudently  avoids  the 
causes  of  error — all  temptations  and  occasions 
to  sin.  Two  instances  of  caution  are  specified, 
which  were  peculiarly  apposite,  in  the  age  of  an- 
archy and  violence  in  which  the  prophet  lived ; 
and  are  not  wholly  inapplicable,  in  this  day  of 
agitation,  and  popular  frenzy.  But  the  princi- 
ple involved  in  these  specifications,  is  what  we 
are  particularly  concerned  to  notice;  namely, 
the  principle  inculcated  by  our  Lord,  in  the  pre- 
cept, "  Watch  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temp- 
tation." This  is  the  crowning  excellence  of  the 
just  man,  and  the  safe-guard  of  them  all.  Con- 
scious of  his  own  infirmities,  and  aware  of  the 


16 

seductive  inlluence  of  evil  examples,  solicitation, 
and  opportunity,  he  foresees  the  evil  and  hides 
himself,  where  the  foolish  pass  on,  and  are  pu- 
nished. Accustomed  to  pray,  "Lead  us  not 
into  temptation," — he  takes  care  not  to  run,  whi- 
ther he  would  not  wish  to  be  led ;  thus  avoiding, 
if  possible,  the  trial,  to  which  his  virtue  and 
firmness  might  prove  unequal.  As  he  whose 
garments  are  white  and  clean,  instinctively  avoids 
any  impure  contact;  so  he  who  is  clothed  in  in- 
nocency,  shuns  whatever  might  stain,  if  it  did 
not  rend  his  spotless  robe.  Knowing  that  to  see 
sin,  or  even  to  entertain  a  thought  of  it,  tends 
to  blunt  that  quick  moral  sensibility,  which  is  the 
soul's  first  and  surest  defence ;  he  endeavors  to 
close  each  avenue  by  which  temptation  might 
enter ;  "  he  stoppeth  his  ears — and  shutteth  his 
eyes,"  and  evinces  the  stern  and  virtuous  purpose 
of  his  mind,  by  shunning  the  imminent  cause  of 
all  sin  and  ruin,  the  first  step  in  the  path  which 
leads  to  them.  This  attitude  of  firm  resistance 
to  all  dangers  from  without,  implies  that  equal  at- 
tention is  paid  to  the  state  of  the  heart,  from 
whence  still  greater  dangers  arise.  He  who 
loves  sin,  will  delight  in  being  tempted,  he  will 


17 

parley  with  temptation,  and  presently  he  cannot 
choose  but  to  go  all  the  length  of  compliance. 
There  is,  therefore,  no  security  for  the  Christian, 
until  the  love  of  sin  is  expelled  from  the  heart : 
he  will  then  possess  his  soul  in  peace ;  for  the 
traitors  within,  will  have  been  driven  out. 

How  beautiful  is  this  character  of  the  righteous 
man,  as  sketched  by  the  Phrophet !  Like  Enoch, 
walking  with  God,  he  walks  righteously.  He 
hath  truth  in  his  heart ;  grace  is  poured  upon  his 
lips ;  and  in  his  tongue  is  the  law  of  kindness. 
Just  in  his  dealings,  he  gives  to  all  their  due ;  and 
deeming  mercy  the  most  sacred  of  debts,  his 
hands  are  ever  open  to  the  needy.  Uncorrupt 
in  office,  he  administers  justice  without  partiality 
or  fear ;  and  unwarped  by  private  ends,  he  con- 
sults only  the  honor  of  God,  and  the  welfare  of 
his  species.  In  the  meekness  of  wisdom,  he 
leans  upon  Him  who  is  mighty;  and  while  he 
shuns  the  needless  trial,  stands  firm  in  those 
which  God  ordains  for  him.  Such  a  character 
can  be  formed  only  under  the  sanctifying  influ- 
ence of  revealed  truth,  when  received  in  the  love 
thereof,  and  held  by  a  firm  and  confiding  faith. 

It  is  the  "  new  creation"  of  Him  who  hath  said, 

3 


18 

"  a  new  heart  will  I  give  you,  and  will  put  my 
spirit  within  you."  Had  Philosophy  conceived 
such  a  character,  it  could  not  have  given  it  a  per- 
fect form,  and  a  vital  energy.  Its  instruments 
were  inadequate :  its  precepts  were  defective ;  its 
authority  questionable;  and  its  hopes  dubious. 
It  theorized  beautifully  of  virtue ;  but  could  not 
renovate  a  heart  alienated  from  the  life  of  God. 
Nothing  less  than  "  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost"  can  reimpress  the  divine  image  upon  the 
soul  of  man,  and  thoroughly  furnish  him  for  every 
good  word  and  work. 

II.  The  Rewards  promised  to  the  righteous 
man,  in  our  text,  respect  both  worlds ;  and  are  in- 
cluded in  five  specifications,  namely;  his  eclesias- 
tical  privileges ;  his  safety  under  the  divine  protec- 
tion ;  the  provision  made  for  his  temporal  wants; 
the  vision  and  fruition  of  God;  and  immortality 
in  Heaven.  "  He  shall  dwell  on  high :  his  place 
of  defence  shall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks :  bread 
shall  be  given  him;  his  waters  shall  be  sure. 
Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  king  in  his  beauty ; 
they  shall  behold  the  land  that  is  very  far  off." 

"He  shall  dwell  on  high."    If,  as  some 
suppose,  this  promise  primarily  referred  to  a  lite- 


19 

ral  residence  on  Mount  Zion,  still  we  may  un- 
derstand it  to  have  a  mystical  reference,  to  the 
Church  of  the  Messiah,  of  which  that  mountain 
was  a  type.  David  represents  admission  into 
Christ's  kingdom,  under  that  notion.  "  Who  shall 
ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?"  he  asks,  "  and 
who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place  ?  Even  he  that 
hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart."  St.  Paul 
employs  the  same  figure  for  the  same  purpose : 
"  But  ye  are  come  unto  Mount  Zion,  and  unto 
the  city  of  the  living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusa- 
lem . . .  and  to  the  general  assembly  and  church 
of  the  first-born."  To  dwell  on  high  then,  is  to 
be  a  member  of  the  church  of  Christ.  To  be 
truly  so,  is  to  occupy  a  position  of  high  moral 
dignity  and  blessedness :  It  is  to  enter  with  God 
into  a  covenant  of  life,  ordered  in  all  things  and 
sure,  by  virtue  of  which,  we  are  made  subjects 
of  his  kingdom ;  children  of  his  family ;  partak- 
ers of  pardon,  peace,  and  grace ;  and  heirs  of 
glory,  honor,  and  immortality.  It  is  to  rise  above 
the  grovelling  pleasures  and  sordid  pursuits  of  the 
world,  into  a  region  of  purer  air,  and  brighter 
prospects ;  to  a  higher  calling,  and  a  nobler  com- 
panionship ;  where  the  saints  of  all  ages,  and  ho- 


20 

ly  beings  of  both  worlds,  form  one  brotherhood 
— a  temple  reared  for  the  habitation  of  God, 
through  the  spirit.  Well  might  our  Lord  ex- 
claim— "  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for  theirs 
is  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  !"  The  poor  in  spirit 
alone  have  the  wisdom  to  discern  that  kingdom, 
the  humility  to  enter  into  it,  and  the  grace  to 
adorn  it.  And  happy  indeed  they  are ;  for  its 
privileges  and  honors  are  theirs — its  promises 
and  joys  are  theirs,  and  its  triumphs  and  rewards 
shall  be  theirs. 

"His  place  of  defence  shall  be  the  muni- 
tions OF  ROCKS."  The  phrase  "munitions  of 
rocks,"  literally  means,  a  strong  hold  or  place  of 
security,  fenced  in  with  rocks  ;  a  walled  city,  or 
fortress.  Here  is  doubtless  an  allusion  to  Him 
whom  Moses  calls  "  a  Rock  ;"  whom  David  ce- 
lebrates as  his  "Rock,  his  fortress,  and  high 
Tower ;"  and  whom  Jeremiah  addresss  as  "  his 
strength,  and  fortress,  and  refuge  in  the  day  of 
afflction."  This  then  is  a  promise  that  God,  the 
Redeemer,  the  Rock  of  Ages,  sure  and  steadfast 
forever,  shall  be  the  defence  of  the  righteous 
man  ;  enclosing  him  around,  like  the  walls  of  an 
impregnable  strong-hold.     He  is  under  the  pro- 


21 

tection  of  the  sleepless  vigilance,  the  deathless 
love,  the  immutable  truth,  the  resistless  power  of 
his  Creator.  Who  then  shall  harm  this  prisoner 
of  hope  ?  His  "  inbred  sin  ?"  No  verily :  The 
old  man  is  crucified  with  Christ ;  and  the  body 
of  sin  is  destroyed.  His  spiritual  foes?  Cer- 
tainly not :  God  shall  bruise  Satan  under  his  feet ; 
and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  him : 
His  outward  enemies  ?  Never :  He  need  not 
fear  what  man  can  do  unto  him  :  "  God  will  hide 
him  privily  by  his  own  presence,  from  the  pro^ 
voking  of  all  men ;  and  keep  him  secretly  in  his 
pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues."  Shall  tribu- 
lation, or  distress,  or  persecution,  or  famine,  or 
nakedness,  or  peril,  or  sword  ?  Nay ;  in  all  these 
things  he  is  more  than  conqueror  through  Him 
that  hath  loved  him. 

"  Bread  shall  be  given  him  ;  his  waters 
SHALL  BE  SURE."  If  wB  Understand  this  promise 
spiritually,  it  will  hold  true.  While  God  is  his 
Fortress,  he  shall  eat  the  bread  of  life ;  and  "with 
joy  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation." — 
No  foes  can  cut  off  his  supplies  :  "  In  the  days 
of  famine  he  shall  be  satisfied."  It  probably  re- 
fers, however,  to  the  temporal  blessings  of  life  ; 


22 

and  if  so,  our  Lord  has  given  us  a  parallel  pro- 
mise :  "  Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his 
righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you."  We  could  expect  nothing  less  from 
infinite  fulness,  and  infinite  love  :  for  He  that  will 
give  grace  and  glory,  v^^ill  withhold  no  good  thing 
from  them  that  walk  uprightly.  The  outward 
prosperity  of  the  just  man,  is  not,  however,  more 
the  special  reward,  than  the  natural  consequence 
of  his  virtues  ;  which  all  conduce  to  health,  plea- 
sure, and  long  life ;  to  success  in  business,  and 
promotion  to  honor.  This  is  conformable  to  ex- 
perience :  "  I  have  been  young,"  said  David,  "  and 
now  am  old ;  yet  have  I  never  seen  the  righteous 
forsaken,  nor  his  seed  begging  bread."  Were 
we  to  collect  the  results  of  our  own  observations, 
they  would  corroborate  the  reflection  of  the  sage, 
and  verify  the  promise  of  the  Prophet.  Whom 
have  we  ever  known  to  derive  any  permanent  or 
real  good  from  vice,  which  virtue  would  not  have 
yielded  ?  Who,  that  has  attained  to  prosperity, 
has  not  owed  his  success,  under  God,  to  well-do- 
ing ?  When  have  we  ever  seen  the  upright  and 
prudent  sink  into  irremediable  misfortune  ?  The 
good  man  may  indeed  be  stricken  with  poverty 


23 

and  sickness.  God  may  bereave,  and  men  may 
oppress  him ;  whensoever  it  may  please  infinite 
Wisdom  to  mark  him  out  that  path  to  the  weaUh 
and  bliss  of  immortality.  But  in  the  ordinary 
course  of  Providence,  that  is  true  of  virtue,  which 
Solomon  has  affirmed  of  Wisdom ;  "  Length  of 
days  is  in  her  right  hand,  and  in  her  left  hand 
riches  and  honor."  ..."  Exalt  her,  and  she  shall 
promote  thee ;  she  shall  bring  thee  to  honor  when 
thou  dost  embrace  her."  Let  all  then,  and  espe- 
cially the  young,  remember  that  the  path  of  reli- 
gion alone  can  conduct  them,  safely  and  surely, 
to  prosperity.  If  they  cannot  attain  it  in  this  way, 
where  they  may  walk  in  all  the  security  of  inno- 
cence, where  every  virtue  tends  to  their  advance- 
ment, and  where  the  friendship  and  promises  of 
God  are  their  guaranty ;  they  cannot  surely  attain 
it  in  any  other.  Sin  may  make  fair  promises,  but 
its  ways  will  be  found  hard,  its  pleasures  deceit- 
ful, and  its  end  death.  But  the  temporal  advan- 
tages of  virtue  are  the  smallest  that  attach  to  it. 
There  is  a  reward  for  it  hereafter. 

"Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  King  in  his 
BEAUTY."  The  truth  asserted  in  a  thousand  pro- 
mises, is  implied  in  this ;  that  the  just  shall  sur- 


24 

vive  after  death,  in  a  state  of  perfect  happiness. 
More  than  the  heir  of  all  the  sceptres  of  the 
earth,  he  is  the  heir  of  immortality.  Invincible 
by  death  itself,  that  dreaded  change  is  but  a  tran- 
sition from  this  prison-house  of  sin  and  sorrow, 
to  the  freedom  and  citizenship  of  Heaven.  To 
see  God  is  often  represented  in  Scripture,  as  the 
circumstance  which  constitutes  the  bliss  of  that 
state.  To  see  the  immaterial  Deity,  with  a  mate- 
rial eye,  must  be  forever  impossible ;  but  it  is  not 
impossible  that  some  new  sense  may  be  there  de- 
veloped, which  shall  give  to  the  dwellers  in  that 
world,  such  a  consciousness  of  his  presence, — 
such  a  perception  of  his  infinite  perfection,  grace 
and  excellence, — such  means  of  communion  and 
intimacy  with  him,  as  we  are  now  incapable  of. 
We  now  contemplate  Him  veiled  in  "clouds 
and  darkness ;"  and  comprehending  little  of  his 
mysterious  counsels ;  and  weak  in  faith ;  we  seem 
to  perceive  in  his  dispensations  causes  of  com- 
plaint, distrust  and  dread.  But  there  we  shall 
see  Him  as  He  is,  in  all  the  beauty  and  glory  of 
His  wisdom,  mercy  and  truth.  Here,  He  is  the 
unseen,  silent,  absconding  object  of  a  hesitating 
faith,  and  a  desponding  obedience, — if  we  look 


25 

for  Him  we  cannot  perceive  Him ;  if  we  speak 
to  Him  he  answers  not ;  we  seek  Him,  but  can- 
not apprehend  Him.  But  there  faith  will  be  lost 
in  sight,  and  hope  in  fruition ;  and  God  will  be 
with  men,  the  present,  visible,  responding  Pa- 
rent, dwelling  among  the  children  of  his  love. 
They  shall  "  see  God,"  in  the  sense  which  that 
expression  often  bears  in  the  Scriptures ;  they 
shall  enjoy  Him.  They  who  dwell  near  that 
Fountain  and  Centre  of  all  good,  cannot  but  find 
"  in  His  presence  fulness  of  joy,  and  at  His  right 
hand  pleasures  forever  more." 

"  They  shall  behold  the  land  that  is  ve- 
ry FAR  OFF."  How  unlike  this  little  world  of  ours, 
rolling  darkly  on  this  cold  and  distant  frontier  of 
Jehovah's  dominion,  is  that  land  afar  off,  which 
He  hath  fitted  up  for  the  habitation  of  his  throne, 
and  the  metropolis  of  his  Empire  !     What  defor- 
mities mar  the  beauties  of  this  world !     What 
storms  disturb  its  repose  !     What  poisons  bloom 
with  its  sweets  !     What  sorrows  mingle  with  its 
few  and  transient  pleasures  !     What  a  sad  por- 
tion of  toils,  and  pains,  and  sins,  and  griefs,  and 
sicknesses,  and  deaths,  is  entailed  upon  its  chil- 
dren !     And  yet  this  is  a  beautiful  world ;  abound- 

4 


26 

ing  witli  evidences  of  the  Creator's  wisdom  ;  and 
full  of  the  blessings  of  goodness.  How  much 
more  excellent  in  beauty  then  must  be  that  world 
where  none  of  the  evils  exist,  which  are  here  es- 
sential conditions  of  our  probation ; 

"  Where  joys  unseen  by  mortal  eyes, 

Or  reason's  feeble  ray, 
In  ever  blooming  prespects  rise, 

Unconscious  of  decay" — 

Where  all  is  bright,  and  pure,  and  good;  fit  for  the 
abode  of  just  men  made  perfect ;  and  worthy  of  the 
High  and  lofty  One,  who  dwells  in  that  holy  place. 
Beautiful  land  of  the  nightless  day,  and  the  storm- 
less  sky,  of  the  living  waters,  and  the  tree  of  life  ! 
Happy  land,  where  the  wicked  cease  from  trou- 
bling, and  the  weary  are  at  rest;  and  the  just 
drink  their  cup  of  joy  unmingled  with  bitterness  ! 
Land  of  the  Blessed,  where  Angels  congregate 
that  excel  in  strength ;  and  the  wise  and  good, 
gathered  from  distant  Worlds,  dwell  together  in 
harmony  and  bliss  !  "  Afar  off"  it  is  indeed,  for 
immeasurable  tracts  of  space  separate  this  world 
of  sorrow,  from  that  world  of  joy.  "  Very  far 
off"  it  may  seem  to  us,  while  we  pursue  our  weary 
pilgrimage  thitherward,  and  fatigue  our  longing 


27 

eyes  in  vain,  to  catch  a  gleam  of  its  distant  light. 
But  it  is  near,  if  we  consider  how  few  are  the 
steps  that  must  bring  us  to  the  grave  5  and  how 
swift  are  the  Angel  wings  that  will  convey  us 
from  thence,  to  the  gates  of  the  eternal  city,  and 
the  chambers  of  light !  There  is  the  Rest  that 
remaineth  for  the  people  of  God  !  There  is  the 
inheritance  of  the  Saints,  who,  having  here  no 
continuing  city,  seek  one  to  come  !  How  splen- 
did is  such  a  destiny  for  man  !  How  stupendous 
is  this  reward  of  virtue  !  "  Behold  the  taberna- 
cle of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell  with 
them,  and  they  shall  be  his  people,  and  God  him- 
self shall  be  with  them  and  be  their  God.  And 
God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes ;  and 
there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor 
crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain :  for 
the  former  things  are  passed  away." 

Well  might  the  Apostle  say,  "  Godliness  is 
profitable  unto  all  things,  having  promise  of  the 
life  that  now  is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come." 
These  promised  rewards  of  the  righteous  man, 
leave  him  nothing  more  to  desire.  He  is  admit- 
ted to  the  honors  and  privileges  of  the  everlast- 
ing Covenant ;  the  Arm  of  Omnipotence  is  his 


28 

defence ;  liis  daily  bread  is  secured  to  him,  by 
the  faithfulness  of  God,  and  the  tendencey  of  his 
virtues ;  and  after  death,  he  will  enjoy  the  vision 
of  the  Almighty,  and  an  immortal  life  in  the  hea- 
venly land  which  is  very  far  off.  What  would 
he  have  more  ?  This  world  ?  Let  him  wait  a 
little  and  he  shall  have  a  better.  Give  him  this, 
and  he  would  lose  both.  Would  he  have  exemp- 
tion from  sufferings  ?  Let  him  wait  awhile  and 
he  shall  have  it.  Give  it  now  and  he  must  fore- 
go that  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory,  which  they  shall  work  out  for  him.  Every 
thing  in  his  present  lot,  is  a  portion  assigned  to 
him  by  unerring  wisdom,  and  boundless  love ;  and 
the  portion  that  awaits  him,  is  a  gift  worthy  of 
the  infinite  God.     What  could  he  have  more  ? 

III.  You  will  have  anticipated  me,  my  Breth- 
ren, in  the  reflection,  that  the  character  which 
we  have  sketched,  has  been  exemplified  among 
us,  in  the  person  of  an  eminent  servant  of  God, 
now  departed ;  and  in  the  confident  hope,  that  He, 
who,  in  his  wise  providence,  has  taken  from  us 
the  bright  example,  has  exalted  him  to  this  re- 
ward. A  public  notice,  in  this  community,  of  his 
virtues,  and  services,  is  a  becoming  expression 


29 

of  that  sympathy  which  all  must  feel,  for  friends 
united  to  us  by  the  ties  of  religion,  whom  to  know 
is  to  esteem  and  love ;  and  to  whom  this  public 
loss,  is  a  personal  and  painful  bereavement.  A 
proper  respect  to  the  memory  of  just  men,  may 
indeed  be  considered  as  a  religious  duty.  The 
christian  graces,  as  illustrated  by  their  lives  and 
actions,  reflect  honor  upon  our  religion  ;  and  may 
serve  as  a  guide  and  encouragement  to  such  as 
aspire  to  wisdom  and  virtue.  To  the  young  es- 
pecially, they  are  useful,  as  showing  wherein  true 
greatness  consists,  and  how  sincere  happiness 
may  be  attained.  It  is  to  subserve  these  purpo- 
ses, and  not  merely  to  add  my  feeble  suflrage  to 
the  applauses  of  a  nation,  that  I  now  address  you. 
Genius  and  eloquence  will  bring  flowers  to  strew 
upon  his  grave ; — be  it  our  humble  task  to  inquire, 
what  profitable  lessons  we  may  learn,  from  a  life 
of  virture,  and  a  christian  death. 

The  late  patroon  of  Albany,  the  Hon.  Ste- 
PHEX  Vax  Rensselaer,  was  a  descendant  of 
one  of  the  most  ancient  and  distinguished  fami- 
lies of  this  country.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  in  1764.  Left  an  orphan  at  a  tender 
age,  the  formation  of  his  early  character  devolv- 


30 

ed  upon  his  pious  mother,  and  faithfully  did  she 
discharge  her  sacred  trust.  He  finished  his  edu- 
cation in  the  University  of  Cambridge;  where 
he  graduated  in  1782.  He  came  into  possession 
of  his  large  patrimonial  estate,  at  his  majority ; 
and  soon  after  married  Margaret,  daughter  of 
Gen.  Philip  Schuyler ;  by  whom  he  had  one  son, 
the  present  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer.  On 
her  decease,  he  formed  a  second  connexion  with 
Cornelia,  daughter  of  the  late  Judge  Paterson, 
of  New-Jersey.  This  Lady  is  the  mother  of  six 
sons  and  three  daughters ;  all  of  whom  survive. 

Placed  by  his  ample  fortune,  and  personal 
qualities,  in  a  conspicuous  position  in  society, 
the  political  distinctions  which  other  men  covet- 
ed, sought  him.  The  integrity  of  principle,  soli- 
dity of  judgment,  and  benignity  of  disposition, 
evinced  in  the  discharge  of  the  numerous  trusts 
confided  to  him,  while  they  conciliated  his  oppo- 
nents, won  the  confidence  of  his  country.  His 
character  presenting  a  mark  too  bright  for  de- 
traction to  sully,  and  too  high  for  envy  to  reach, 
was  respected  by  all,  even  in  the  heat  of  party 
strife.  No  one  could  doubt  the  purity  of  his 
principles.     No  one  ever  formed  a  pretext  for  im- 


31 

peaching  them.  He  was  a  man  whom  all  delight- 
ed to  honor.  He  commenced  his  political  career, 
at  the  early  age  of  22,  as  a  member  of  the  popu- 
lar branch  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State.  He 
was  subsequently  a  member  of  the  Senate ;  and 
afterwards  as  Lieutenant-Governor  presided  over 
the  deliberations  of  that  body  for  six  years.  At 
later  periods  he  was  a  member  of  the  Convention 
for  revising  the  Constitution  of  this  State  ;  and 
a  Representative  in  Congress.  On  the  breaking 
out  of  the  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  he  prompt- 
ly responded  to  the  call  of  his  country,  and  re- 
linquishing the  endearments  of  home,  took  com- 
mand as  a  Major-General  of  the  Militia,  on  the 
Niagara  frontier.  A  Statesman,  capable  of  tak- 
ing just  and  enlarged  views  of  social  pohcy ;  and 
preferring  the  permanent  prosperity  of  the  State, 
to  the  fickle  popularity  of  the  hour;  he  stood  forth 
with  Clinton  and  Morris,  among  the  earliest 
friends  of  that  system  of  internal  improvement, 
which  has  enriched  this  state,  and  given  an  im- 
pulse to  the  spirit  of  public  enterprize  throughout 
the  Union.  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  Board 
of  canal  Commissioners ;  and  on  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Clinton  became  its  President,  in  which  capa- 


32 

pacity  he  continued  to  serve  to  the  close  of  his 
life.  He  was  an  active  and  munificent  patron  of  li- 
terature ;  and  for  many  years  promoted  the  cause 
of  education,  as  one  of  the  Regents  of  the  Univer- 
sity. On  the  decease  of  the  former  Chancellor, 
Lieutenant  Gov.  Taylor,  he  was  elevated  to  that 
office,  and  presided  in  that  body  until  his  death. 
In  whatever  way  he  has  been  called  to  serve  his 
country,  his  probity,  his  practical  wisdom,  and 
disinterested  patriotism,  have  shed  lustre  upon  his 
high  stations ;  while  his  blameless  and  benevolent 
life  have  attracted  to  him  the  esteem  and  love  of 
all  who  were  admitted  to  his  intimacy.  In  public 
life,  his  character  was  that  described  by  the  Pro- 
phet. "  He  walked  righteously,  and  spake  up- 
rightnesses ;  he  despised  the  gain  of  oppressions 
and  shook  his  hands  from  holding  of  bribes." 

As  a  Christian^  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  appears  in 
a  still  more  attractive  and  enviable  light.  His 
piety  towards  God,  was  the  distinguishing  excel- 
lence of  his  character,  and  the  foundation  of 
every  other.  It  was  because  he  feared  God, 
that  he  knew  no  other  fear.  It  was  the  love  of 
God  that  made  him  a  philanthropist.  He  learn- 
ed of  Christ  to  be  meek  and  lowly  in  heart.     Re- 


33 

ligion  was  the  guiding  light  that  led  him  onward 
and  upward,  in  the  ever  brightening  path  of  the 
just.  Piety  and  virtue  were  the  defences  that 
shielded  his  youth ;  the  adornments  that  graced 
his  manhood ;  and  the  seeds  of  the  harvest  that 
enriched  his  age.  These  made  his  influence  a 
blessing  to  his  country ;  his  name  an  honor  to  his 
species ;  and  his  memory  a  more  precious  legacy 
than  his  princely  fortune. 

In  his  case,  as  in  every  other  where  such  fruits 
appear,  the  seeds  of  grace  were  sown  in  early 
life.  Watered  by  maternal  counsels  and  prayers, 
they  imbibed  the  full  strength  of  the  generous  soil. 
A  diligent  reader  of  the  Bible,  and  a  constant  ob- 
server of  his  private  devotions,  he  became,  by 
necessary  consequence,  a  firm  and  consistent  be- 
liever in  the  Christian  Religion.  At  what  time 
he  became  a  communicant  in  the  Dutch  Reform- 
ed Church,  is  not  known  to  me,  but  he  is  believ- 
ed to  have  done  so  very  early  in  life.  Unalloyed 
by  fanaticism,  or  bigotry,  his  piety  was  of  that 
healthful  kind,  which  could  withstand  the  nume- 
rous temptations  incident  to  his  condition.  Many, 
perhaps  most  men,  would  have  found  in  his  youth, 
and  wealth,  and  in  the  blandishments  of  gaiety 


34 

and  pleasure,  which  usually  attend  on  them,  an 
apology  for  the  errors  to  which  they  furnish  so 
many  enticements.  No  such  weakness,  to  call  it 
by  no  harsher  name,  attached  to  the  beautiful 
character  which  we  are  contemplating.  Proof 
alike  against  the  deceiving  sorceries  of  sin,  and 
the  corrupting  force  of  circumstances, — ease, 
opulence,  and  security,  do  not  appear  to  have  re- 
laxed the  moral  discipline  of  his  mind  ;  or  caus- 
ed him  to  forget  his  duties  and  responsibilities. 
This  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  a  merely  negative 
virtue :  There  is  more  moral  greatness  in  the  tri- 
umph of  virtuous  principles  over  the  well-circum- 
stanced, never-ceasing  temptation,  than  in  the 
courage  that  conquers  cities,  or  even  the  magna- 
nimity that  embraces  the  stake.  He  achieved 
this  triumph ;  and  surrounded  by  every  misguid- 
ing influence,  he  made  a  straight  path  for  his  feet, 
from  which  pleasure  could  not  seduce  him.  Ca- 
ressed and  flattered  by  the  world,  he  still  walked 
humbly  with  God.  Possessing  a  fortune,  ample 
as  the  wish  of  avarice,  he  did  not  make  gold  his 
hope,  or  say  to  the  fine  gold,  thou  art  my  confi- 
dence; but  he  sought  a  better  inheritance  that 
would  endure,  when  this  should  have  passed 


35 

away.  But  let  us  give  God,  and  not  man,  the 
glory :  He  did  indeed  stop  his  ears  to  the  voice 
of  the  charmer,  and  shut  his  eyes  to  her  attrac- 
tions ;  but  his  security  he  owed  to  a  strength  not 
his  own  :  "  His  place  of  defence  was  the  muni- 
tions of  Rocks." 

The  grace  which  shielded  his  youth,  shone  with 
its  mildest,  holiest  lustre  in  the  domestic  circle. 
Too  often  pleasure  erects  her  shrine  in  the  man- 
sion of  opulence ;  and  God  is  forgotten  where 
the  world  affords  so  secure  a  dependance.  But 
in  that  Mansion  the  Altar  of  God  was  set  up ; 
and  religion  added  her  hallowed  comforts,  to 
means  of  enjoyment,  to  which  the  world  had  no- 
thing more  to  contribute.  A  daily  service  of  de- 
votion was  performed  in  the  presence  of  his  fa- 
mily ;  and  the  most  assiduous  care  bestowed  upon 
their  religious  instruction.  The  duties  of  reli- 
gion he  inculcated  by  example,  as  well  as  by  pre- 
cept; and  the  life  which  he  commended  to  his 
children,  he  lived  before  them.  Possessing  the 
spirit  of  his  Master,  every  fruit  of  that  spirit  was 
evinced  in  his  daily  conversation.  Simple  in  his 
tastes  and  habits,  he  enjoyed  his  affluence  with 
exemplary  moderation.     Gentle  and  unassuming 


36 

in  his  manners,  none  were  ever  less  injured  by 
prosperity;  none  could  have  worn  his  honors 
more  meekly.     The  warm  and  affectionate  dis- 
positions of  his  heart,  which  blessed  his  house- 
hold, and  sweetened  his  social  intercourse,  re- 
mained to  the  last,  unquenched  by  sickness,  pain 
and  age.     He  was  gentle  without  weakness ;  dig- 
nified without  pride  ;  and  strict  without  severity. 
The  charms  of  his  private  character,  and  the 
beauty  of  his  domestic  manners,  while  they  en- 
deared him  to  the  numerous  circle  that  surround- 
ed that  bright  centre,  won  the  admiration  of  all 
who  approached  it.     They  who  saw  "  the  Saint, 
the  Husband,  and  the  Father,"  presiding  at  his 
fireside,  point  to  that  scene  of  virtue  and  happi- 
ness, as  one  where  religion  wore  her  brightest 
aspect ;  and  domestic  love  mingled  her  sweetest 
cup.     Such  a  fire-side  is  a  school  of  virtue. — 
Good  cause  have  his  children  to  remember,  "  the 
kind  counsel,  and  sweet  society  of  such  a  father." 
Happy  are  the  children  who  shall  follow  his  fault- 
less example ! 

The  religion  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  was  of  a 
highly  beneficent  character.  His  princely  in- 
come was  liberally  appropriated  to   works  of 


.''y--- 


37 

piety  and  mercy.  Kind  and  lenient  in  his  deal- 
ings with  his  numerous  tenantry,  he  will  long 
be  remembered  by  them,  as  one  who  "  despised 
the  gain  of  oppressions."  His  bounties  flowed 
abroad  in  numerous  and  steady  streams,  and  few 
are  the  benevolent  enterprizes  of  this  country, 
which  have  not  sought  and  obtained  them. — 
Churches  with  limited  means  have  leaned  upon 
his  annual  contributions.  Indigent  young  men, 
in  pursuit  of  an  education,  have  found  him  a 
friend  in  need.  The  chief  Bible  and  Missionary 
Societies  of  our  land,  enrolled  his  name  among 
their  officers,  and  most  liberal  patrons.  Although 
he  was  especially  interested  in  the  religious  and 
charitable  institutions,  under  the  control  of  the  or- 
thodox Congregational,  and  Presbyterian  church- 
es ;  his  catholic  spirit  and  diffusive  charities  were 
confined  by  no  sectarian  limits.  His  name,  his 
purse,  and  his  influence  were  regarded,  in  some 
sort,  as  the  common  property  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  in  all  its  branches,  and  the  common  re- 
source of  every  enterprize  conducing  to  the  mo- 
ral welfare  of  man.  To  the  poor  his  alms  were 
given  freely,  and  without  ostentation.  In  doing 
good  he  sought  to  escape  observation,  as  most 


38 

men  do  to  attract  it.  None  but  the  few,  from 
whom  it  could  not  be  concealed,  can  be  aware  of 
the  extent  to  which  he  carried  this  silent  and  un- 
obtrusive work  of  benevolence.  It  is  pleasing  to 
reflect,  that  one  of  the  last  acts  of  his  life,  was 
to  send  forth  his  Almoner  on  his  accustomed  er- 
rand of  mercy.  His  was  pre-eminently  that 
"  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  which  is  first 
pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to  be  en- 
treated, full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits,  without 
partiality,  and  without  hypocrisy."  Observed  by 
all  eyes,  loved  by  all  hearts,  the  object  of  the  gra- 
titude of  the  unfortunate,  and  the  reverence  of 
the  good ; — he  could  have  said  with  Job,  and  per- 
haps no  man  ever  lived,  who  could  have  said 
more  truly — "  When  the  ear  heard  me  then  it 
blessed  me,  and  when  the  eye  saw  me,  it  gave 
witness  to  me  :  because  I  delivered  the  poor  that 
cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and  him  that  had  none 
to  help  him.  The  blessing  of  him  that  was  ready 
to  perish  came  upon  me :  and  I  caused  the  wi- 
dow's heart  to  sing  for  joy.  I  put  on  righteous- 
ness and  it  clothed  me ;  my  judgment  was  as  a 
robe  and  a  diadem.  I  was  eyes  to  the  blind,  and 
feet  was  I  to  the  lame.     I  was  a  father  to  the 


39 

poor,  and  the  cause  which  I  knew  not,  I  searched 
out." 

In  prosperity,  that  piety  may  serve  to  content 
the  conscience,  which  will  prove  wholly  insuffi- 
cient for  the  day  of  trial.  But  this  excellent  man 
had  built  his  house  upon  the  Rock,  and  when 
trouble  came,  it  was  steadfast.  Springing  from 
a  living  and  vigorous  faith,  his  religion  had  struck 
its  roots  into  the  heart.  It  was  like  a  tree  plant- 
ed by  the  rivers  of  water — its  leaves  were  fair, 
and  its  fruits  much.  As  might  have  been  ex- 
pected, the  branch  that  had  bent  with  fruits  of 
mercy,  when  it  was  well  with  him,  shed  comforts 
in  his  adversity.  The  God  whom  he  had  loved 
in  his  youth,  and  served  with  his  matured  facul- 
ties, and  honored  with  his  substance,  proved  his 
"  shield  and  exceeding  great  reward,"  when  wealth 
and  fame,  and  assiduous  love,  were  found  pow- 
erless to  soothe  pain,  or  avert  death.  It  was 
needful,  that,  like  his  divine  Master,  he  should  be 
made  perfect  through  sufferings ;  and  months  of 
debility  and  anguish  were  ordained  to  cloud  the 
evening  of  his  life.  This  period  was  improved 
to  perfect  that  which  was  lacking ;  and  set  his 
house  in  order  for  his  departure.     Secluded  from 


40 

the  world,  he  devoted  himself  to  holy  meditation 
and  prayer  ;  and  became  like  a  sheaf  ripened  for 
the  garner  of  God.  He  declared  that  he  had  no 
desire  to  recover ;  that  he  was  afraid  of  the 
world,  and  dreaded  going  back  to  it  again.  Hav- 
ing "  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious  and 
holy  hope,"  he  feared  not  to  walk  through  the 
valley  and  shadow  of  death ;  but  being  subject  to 
severe  paroxysms  of  pain,  he  was  wont  to  pray, 
that  it  might  please  God  to  grant  him  a  tranquil 
death.  The  prayer  was  answered.  Disrobed  of 
his  terrors,  the  angel  of  death  stole  upon  him 
with  a  noiseless  step.  He  felt  the  icy,  but  gentle 
touch  of  the  messenger,  and  bowing  his  head  up- 
on his  bosom,  calmly  asked,  "  is  not  this  dying  ?" 
and  fell  asleep ! 

I  shall  close  this  notice  of  his  decease,  in  the 
words  of  one  of  his  sons* — "  There  is  much 
cause  for  gratitude  in  having  so  long  enjoyed  the 
kind  counsel,  and  sweet  society  of  such  a  father ; 
and  although,  in  the  natural  course  of  events, 
there  was  no  reason  to  expect  that  his  earthly  pil- 
grimage could  long  continue,  still  the  separation 
is  painful  beyond  the  power  of  language  to  ex- 

•  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq. 


41 

press.  But  it  is  consoling  to  reflect  that  the 
change  was  most  happy  for  him.  Racked  by  the 
agonizing  pains  of  disease,  he  had  long  looked 
forward  to  death  with  pleasure.  It  was  a  happy 
death !  He  fell  asleep  in  Jesus ;  and  the  flight 
of  his  spirit  was  so  gentle,  as  to  escape  the 
observation  of  the  watching  eyes  of  his  children. 
Blessed  spirit ;  it  is  with  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect.  It  may  with  truth  be  said  of  my 
father — '  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the 
upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.'  His 
death  presents  to  the  mind  the  image  of  the  faith- 
ful servant  who  was  found  watching  at  the  unex- 
pected time — of  the  wise  virgins,  hearing  the  cry 
at  midnight — '  Behold  the  Bridegroom  cometh !' 
and  going  forth  at  once  to  meet  him  with  a  bright 
and  steady  flame.  *  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous,  and  let  my  last  end  be  like  his!'" 

In  such  a  life  and  such  a  death,  there  are 
grounds  of  abundant  consolation  to  his  surviving 
friends.  It  may  be  painful  to  reflect  that  one  so 
rich  in  good  works,  has  been  taken  from  a  field 
where  so  much  is  to  be  done ; — But  we  must  not 
complain  that  the  Master  has  called  the  laborer  to 

give  him  his  hire.     Other  laborers  will  supply  his 

G 


42 

place.  Other  hands  will  dispense  his  bounties. 
We  might  grieve  to  think  that  one  so  full  of  the 
kindest  affections,  has  been  torn  from  the  bosoms 
that  loved  him ;  and  that  he  shall  see  the  face  of 
lover  and  friend  no  more  on  earth.  But  he  has 
sone  to  the  bosom  of  One  who  loves  him  more 
than  spouse  or  child  can  love ;  and  now  "  Ms  eyes 
heJiold  the  King  in  his  beauti/.''^  It  might  seem  a 
hardship  that  the  fair  possessions  which  he  had 
so  beneficially  employed,  should,  in  one  brief 
moment,  pass  away  from  him,  as  a  dream  when 
one  awaketh !  But  what  is  that  loss  to  him  ? — 
Less  than  the  small  dust  of  the  balance.  He  has 
gone  to  "  the  land  that  is  very  far  o^."  Heir  of 
an  endless  life,  imperishable  wealth,  unfading 
honor,  he  has  entered  upon  his  inheritance. — 
Here  the  arms  that  embraced  could  not  succour 
him ;  but  there  he  reposes  in  eternal  safety  in  the 
bosom  of  God.  Here,  wasted  with  sickness  and 
pain,  nor  wisdom,  nor  wealth,  nor  affection,  could 
call  back  departed  joys;  but  there,  associated 
with  the  holy  ones,  he  dwells  a  rejoicing  spirit 
before  the  throne;  and  ceasing  to  suffer  and 
grieve,  he  has  become  like  one  of  the  Angels — 
beautiful  as  virtue,  and  deathless  as  immortality ! 


43 

Rich  in  instruction,  as  well  as  comfort,  we  may 
learn  from  the  life  and  death  of  this  just  man,  the 
true  use  of  riches,  and  how  valueless  they  are  for 
any  other  purposes,  than  those  for  which  they  are 
expressly  entrusted  to  us.  They  are  talents  lent, 
but  not  given ;  and  are  to  be  employed  for  God's 
purposes,  and  not  our  own.  Attended  as  they 
are,  by  great  temptations  and  responsibilities,  they 
are  a  perilous  possession  to  those  who  misapply 
them.  But  as  the  means  of  promoting  truth, 
virtue,  and  happiness  among  men,  they  are  of 
priceless  value.  What  sweet  satisfactions  are 
they  not  competent  to  buy,  when  used  to  alleviate 
the  pressure  of  virtuous  poverty,  to  dry  the  or- 
phan's tears,  and  shed  the  light  of  love  upon  the 
dark  habitations  of  cruelty  ?  If  now  these  works 
of  mercy  yield, 

"  What  nothing  earthly  gives,  or  can  destroy ; 
The  soul's  calm  sunshine,  and  the  heart-felt  joy," 

what  will  be  their  reward,  when  the  gifts  lent  to 
the  Lord  shall  be  paid  again ;  and  the  little  boons 
granted  to  charity,  shall  become  treasures  of 
durable  riches  in  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  !  For 
every  other  purpose  they  are  worse  than  useless. 
What  can  it  avail  to  employ  a  wealth  already 


44 

useless,  as  the  source  of  still  more  useless  gains ; 
or  as  the  instrument  of  a  bootless  oppression ; 
or  as  the  price  of  superfluous  pleasures,  that 
cannot  be  enjoyed;  or  of  honors  that  must  be 
worn  with  contempt?  But  whatever  they  may 
add  to  the  present  enjoyments  of  life,  riches  can 
profit  nothing  in  the  day  of  wrath.  What  are 
the  treasures  that  can  soothe  the  pains  of  sick- 
ness ?  What  is  the  price  that  can  buy  peace  for 
a  wounded  conscience  ?  What  bribe  can  delay 
death;  or  redeem  a  wasted  day  of  salvation? 
What  gifts  can  pacify  eternal  justice ;  or  open 
the  doors  of  that  final  prison-house  ?  What  shall 
it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and 
lose  his  own  soul  ?  or  what  shall  a  man  give  in 
exchange  for  his  soul  ?  What  did  riches  benefit 
him  who  had  goods  laid  up  for  many  years,  when 
his  soul  was  required  of  him  ?  Or  him  who  was 
clad  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  when  he  opened  his 
eyes  in  hell  being  in  torments  ?  Oh!  my  friends, 
had  wealth,  and  station,  and  domestic  joy,  and 
the  homage  of  the  world,  constituted  the  only 
portion  of  him  who  hath  now  left  them  all  behind, 
could  we  have  deemed  him  the  happy  man  ?  Alas ! 
how  poor  had   he   been   this   day! — his   pomp 


45 

brought  down  to  the  grave,  and  the  awful  retri- 
butions of  eternity  descending  upon  his  defence- 
less soul! 

Finally,  in  the  life  and  character  before  us, 
there  are  examples  of  virtue,  and  lessons  of  wis- 
dom, beautiful  to  contemplate,  and  replete  with 
instruction.  Behold  the  happy  influence  of  pa- 
rental piety  upon  the  fortunes  of  children!  It 
was  the  care  and  diligence  of  a  goodly  mother, 
that  formed  the  rudiments  of  his  character ;  and 
laid  the  foundations  of  his  fame  and  happiness. 
His  own  examples  have  already  descended  in 
blessings  on  the  heads  of  his  children ;  and  all 
of  them,  it  is  believed,  have  come  to  the  holy 
communion  of  the  Christian  Church,  but  the 
young  adventurer  on  a  distant  ocean.  That  child 
of  a  Father's  prayers,  will  come  too  in  his  season. 
Consider  the  advantages  of  early  religion.  How 
safely  their  feet  walk  who  never  learn  to  stray ! 
How  steadily  their  path  brightens !  See  to  what 
heights  of  happiness  and  honor  it  conducts  them ! 
What  strength  and  consistency  those  virtuous 
principles  acquire,  which  have  entwined  them- 
selves with  all  the   aflections   of  the   youthful 


46 

bosom !    Observe  with  what  graces  they  adorn 
the  Hfe ;  what  joys  they  give  to  the  heart ;  and 
how  sweet  they  make  the  memory  of  the  just. 
The  example  of  this  servant  of  God  is  every  way 
worthy  of  our  imitation.     The  wealth  and  influ- 
ence which  fell  to  his  lot,  are  not  among  the 
talents  intrusted  to  us.     But  the  traits  of  charac- 
ter  which   constituted  his   moral  greatness  lie 
within  our  reach.     If  young,  we  may  like  him, 
give  our  youth  to  innocency  and  virtue.    We  may 
cherish  the  high  and  holy  principles  of  honor  and 
religion,  which  made  him  what  he  was.     We 
may  consecrate  our  talents,  our  exertions,  our 
resources,   to   our    God,   our   church,   and  our 
country.     Like  him,  we  may  be  just,  pure,  bene- 
volent,— fearing  God,   and  eschewing  evil.      If 
we  do  this,  though  our  virtues  may  not  make  us 
rich  in  worldly  goods,  they  will  make  us   rich 
towards  God.     They  may  not  make  us  illustri- 
ous, but  they  will  make  us  happy.     We  may  still 
die   unknown   to   fame — unwept  by   a  nation's 
tears;  but  our  death  shall  be  precious  in  the  sight 
of  God;    and  that  award  which  the  Righteous 
Judge  shall  give,  may  make  us,  in  another  life, 


47 

his  equals  in  honor  and  bUss.  We  shall  "  die 
the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  our  last  end  shall 
he  like  his." — "  Our  eyes  shall  see  the  Kitig  in  his 
heauty  ;  they  shall  behold  the  land  that  is  very  far 
off!" 


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